What build Materials are Best for the chemical that I’m Pumping? – Diaphragm Metering Pumps

When we are helping a customer select a pump, the first thing we want to know is what liquid they will be metering. The nature of the liquid will help us determine what build materials will have the most resistance.  At Madden, we offer numerous options include: 316 Stainless Steel, Polypropylene, Telfon, PVC, Hypalon, Neoprene and more. As you can imagine chemical leaks and spills can be a mess to clean up, and they can cause serious health and environmental problems, so having the right materials for the wetted end of the pump is vital.

In the pump manufacturing industry, we call the part of the pump that is exposed to chemical the “wetted end.” At Madden we offer a variety of build materials for the wetted end:

Solution Head

• This element can be 316 Stainless Steel, Teflon, PVC, or Polypropylene.  The solution head provides a chamber for the diaphragm to fill and empty out the liquid being pumped.

Diaphragm

• A variety of fabric reinforced rubber diaphragms are available to resist the chemical action of the liquid including: Neoprene, Hypalon, Teflon-Neoprene, Teflon-Viton, and Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer.  The diaphragm is the element of the pump that pulls and pushes on the liquid, and the diaphragm keeps the liquid out of the mechanical section of the pump.
  • Backup diaphragm: pumping dangerous liquids requires extra security against leaks.  We recommend the double diaphragm construction for the wetted end in these situations.  The backup diaphragm will generally be the same material as the primary diaphragm that contacts the liquid being pumped.

Valve Check Balls

• A diaphragm type metering pump has ball type check valves on the suction and discharge side of the solution head.  The suction side valve permits liquid to enter the solution head on the suction stroke and seals the suction end on the discharge stroke.  The discharge side valve does just the opposite, closing on the suction stroke and opening on the discharge stroke.  Check balls are available in ceramic, Teflon, 316 Stainless Steel and Hastelloy C, as well as other less common materials.

Valve body, seat and gaskets

• The body of the valve is generally the same material as the solution head.  Valve seats can be Teflon, or a rubber material matching the diaphragm material.  Some liquids, such as diatomaceous earth suspensions, are abrasive, requiring stainless steel or ceramic valve seats to resist the wear.

Madden can help refine your options based on cost and durability. Our pumps can be custom designed to fit your needs and are built-to-spec. Give us a call today to discuss the best materials for your pump Call: 1-800-369-6233. You can also submit a quote request online – Request a Quote